Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKICPA X IFAC SMP Conference today (November 1):

Edward (President of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Mr Edward Au), Ms Monica Foerster (Chair of the Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group of the International Federation of Accountants, Ms Monica Foerster), David (Chairman of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council, Dr David Sun), Margaret (Chief Executive & Registrar of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Ms Margaret Chan), fellow members, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good morning. It is my pleasure to join you at this important conference, co-organised by the HKICPA (Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and the IFAC (the International Federation of Accountants), highlighting the critical role that small and medium practices (SMPs) play—not only in our economies, but also in fostering the trust that underpins our financial system and business environment.

SMPs are an important pillar of the accounting profession across the globe. Known for their adaptability and close client relationship, they serve as trusted service providers and advisors to countless businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, in this era of daunting climate change and rapid technological transformation driven by artificial intelligence and others, how can the accounting profession, especially SMPs, navigate and thrive? And as the momentum of these global transformative forces continue to build up, how can SMPs evolve to seize the emerging opportunities? 

These are timely and pertinent questions that this conference will explore. I very much look forward to hearing the insights and perspectives of the distinguished speakers and participants. On this occasion, I would also like to share the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s perspective – including what we are doing both at the macro level and specifically with the accounting sector, to drive digital transformation and sustainability.

Digital transformation

Let me start with digital transformation. In today’s age of innovation, few forces are as disruptive and transformative as artificial intelligence. AI is reshaping business models, redefining competitiveness, and revolutionising how we work, communicate and live. Fully recognising its enormous potential, Hong Kong has embraced a twin-engine vision – namely, developing “AI as a core industry”, and promoting AI as an enabler (i.e. AI+) to transform and upgrade traditional sectors and businesses. Our focus spans six strategic pillars: supercomputing power, algorithm, use case scenarios, data, funding, and talent.

On the regulatory front, we are equally committed to ensuring a sound and supportive governance framework for responsible AI development. For example, in the financial sector, we have issued a policy statement on the ethical and responsible application of AI. It sets out a “dual track” approach: promoting adoption while addressing risks such as cybersecurity, data privacy and intellectual property protection.

Like any technologies, AI brings both challenges and opportunities to SMPs. While there are understandable concerns about AI’s impact on reduced traditional client assignments and employment, we believe that greater opportunity lies ahead – how SMPs can evolve from traditional compliance-focused roles, into more strategic advisory capacities to support businesses in their transition and sustainable growth.

By leveraging technology to automate routine compilation and analytical processes, SMPs can redirect valuable resources toward higher-value services – such as ESG (environmental, social and governance) advisory and reporting, scenario contemplation, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity assessments. These are areas where their expertise can make a bigger difference.

Upskilling is key. I’m glad to note that here in Hong Kong, the AFRC (Accounting and Financial Reporting Council) and HKICPA have been working to empower SMPs with training and resources to build digital readiness. The Government is fully committed to supporting these capacity-building efforts, and we welcome deeper and broader collaboration with both local and international partners.

Sustainability

The second pillar is sustainability — a global imperative that is transforming business practices, lender perspectives and investor expectations worldwide.

At the macro level, Hong Kong is firmly committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. We are advancing on four fronts: net-zero electricity generation, energy efficient, green buildings and transport, and waste reduction.

But our ambition goes further. We aim to establish Hong Kong as an international green technology and green finance hub – serving not only the city but the wider region. Today, Hong Kong is Asia’s leader in green and sustainable finance, with over US$80 billion in green and sustainable debt issued last year.

Our green tech ecosystem is also gaining global traction. Yesterday, I returned from a business trip to Saudi Arbia. On this occasion, I led a 40-strong delegation, comprising Hong Kong and Mainland companies engaged in AI and robotics, biotech, fintech, green and sustainable tech, construction technologies, new materials, and more. Several of the tech companies from our delegation signed co-operation agreements or MOUs with local partners to deploy their solutions there.

Ladies and gentlemen, sustainability is no longer optional. It is becoming a must worldwide. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is setting a new global baseline for corporate disclosure, in response to the growing demand for transparency from investors, regulators and consumers.

In December last year, we launched a roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong , which charts a path for major public interest entities to fully adopt the ISSB standards by 2028. The ultimate objective is to provide a unified framework for sustainability reporting aligned with global standards.

Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has also implemented mandatory climate-related disclosure requirement, aligning with ISSB standards, starting this year. In June, the IFRS Foundation (International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation) recognised Hong Kong as one of the first jurisdictions with a clear roadmap toward full adoption of the standards. This underscores our strong commitment to and leadership in enhancing transparency and accountability in capital markets.

For the accounting profession, this represents a significant growth opportunity. More SMEs are being asked by customers, suppliers and lenders to demonstrate their sustainability credentials. Yet, many lack the in-house expertise to measure carbon footprints, design ESG strategies, or even compile data for quality disclosures.

This is where SMPs can step in – with their expert knowledge and credibility, to support SMEs in navigating sustainability compliance and requirements.

To this end, the regulators and industry bodies should continue to strengthen upskilling programmes, issue technical guidance, and foster cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure SMPs are equipped to lead in this growing field of sustainability advisory and assurance.

Concluding Remarks

Ladies and gentlemen, the path ahead requires not just cross-sectoral collaboration but also cross-border co-operation. The challenges we face, whether digital or environmental, are complex. But we have no choice, but to win. For those who are prepared and willing, the opportunities are enormous.

With your support, I am confident that Hong Kong can build a stronger, more innovative, and more sustainable future for the accounting profession and the broader community.

Let me close by wishing you all a fruitful and inspiring conference. May you enjoy good health and continued success in your career in the time ahead. Thank you very much.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Director-General of the Macao Customs Service, Mr Adriano Marques Ho, led respective delegations to attend the 39th Annual Meeting between Hong Kong Customs and the Macao Customs Service/Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau held in Macao today (October 31).

At the opening ceremony of the meeting, Mr Chan recognised the mutual co-operation in facilitating customs clearance, combating cross-boundary drug trafficking activities, anti-smuggling work, protecting intellectual property rights and training staff. He expressed that Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with Macao Customs based on the solid foundation laid over the years, with a view to promoting together the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

During the meeting, both sides also agreed that the two Customs authorities will continue to deepen co-operation in different aspects, including enhancing the management of clearance at control points, taking forward various trade facilitation measures, strengthening intelligence exchanges, and combating cross-boundary criminal activities through joint operations to maintain the stability and prosperity of the development of the GBA.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education, Dr Starry Lee; the Chairman of the Environment and Conservation Fund Committee, Dr Eric Cheng; and the Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee, Ms Grace Kwok, attended the public day of the 20th Eco Expo Asia and the premiere ceremony of the “Enchanting China” season two today (October 31).

In his speech, Mr Tse introduced that the documentary series “Enchanting China” season two released this year consists of five episodes. The themes are, namely “Living Rivers”, “Pristine Seas and Shores”, “Sun-kissed Rice Fields”, “Zero-Carbon Energy” and “Green Transportation”. These episodes showcase China’s major achievements and technological contributions in environmental protection and green development from different perspectives, fostering patriotism among the younger generation and helping them understand the country’s ecological civilisation development practices and progress toward building a beautiful China.

In addition, the Environment and Ecology Bureau is producing the documentary series “Enchanting Hong Kong” with a total of five episodes. The first episode, “Picturesque Bays of Hong Kong”, features the magnificent Mirs Bay, vividly showing how the environment in Hong Kong has improved since its return to the motherland, with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government dedicating great efforts to environmental protection and nature conservation, yielding fruitful results. At the event today, an excerpt from the “The City of Life” episode of “Enchanting Hong Kong” delicately portrayed how the HKSAR Government balances urban vitality and development needs while protecting lush green environments and biodiversity, transforming Hong Kong into a more liveable and sustainable vibrant city. Mr Tse encouraged the participating student representatives to explore more, cherish the ecological miracles of the country and Hong Kong, and join hands to inject new impetus into sustainable development.

Afterwards, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection Dr Vanessa Au hosted the Environmental Education Interactive Session for Students, during which personnel from the Water Quality Management Division of the Environmental Protection Department shared key points on keeping shorelines clean and raising teenagers’ environmental awareness. Dr Au then hosted the “Exploring Beautiful Campuses” segment in the interactive session, inviting students to share the most charming aspects of their campuses, design tour routes, and introduce highlights related to environmental protection on campuses. She praised how the campuses cleverly integrate green elements to cultivate students’ daily habits of cherishing resources and loving the Earth. She then presented certificates to student representatives to encourage them to turn the public day experience into action, share it with families and friends, and contribute to environmental protection in daily life.

The 20th Eco Expo Asia was held from October 28 to 31, with the last day as a public day open to all free of charge. This year’s public day programme also included green seminars, green workshops and interactive games.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) jointly organised the first Green Silk Road International Training Program on Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Development (International Training Program), inviting senior environmental officials from Belt and Road (B&R) countries to participate, with an aim to promote exchanges and collaboration on sustainable green development.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Eco Expo Asia, with the International Training Program featured as one of the key events. The program aims to to enhance environmental technology capacities in B&R countries and foster international environmental exchanges and co-operation under the B&R Initiative. Senior environmental officials from six B&R countries (namely the United Arab Emirates, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka) who attended Eco Expo Asia in Hong Kong have been invited to participate in a training held in Changsha, Hunan Province, from October 29 to November 1.

The Director of Environmental Protection, Dr Samuel Chui, today (October 31) attended the training events in Changsha and delivered a speech at the technical seminar of the CAS Centre of Excellence for Water and Environment held in the morning.

“Leveraging the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ strength of scientific research and combining Hong Kong’s unique advantages and extensive experience in environmental protection, the mutual co-operation can generate powerful synergistic effects and further advance international green co-operation under the B&R Initiative. This training program is highly significant, marking the first joint technical seminar and field visit organised by the EPD and the CAS on the Mainland for senior officials from B&R countries. It represents a new level of co-operation between both parties and provides a foundation for the B&R sustainable green development training centre to be set up next year,” Dr Chui said.

The International Training Program yesterday (October 30) arranged visits to several leading green companies and facilities in Hunan, providing the delegation with insights into the latest technologies and achievements in the environmental protection sector of the Mainland. They also visited the Smart Water Quality Monitoring Station at the Changsha Monkey Stone Water Treatment Plant and an integrated rural sewage treatment facility in Changsha.

In addition to the training program in Changsha, the EPD held a three-day Technical Training Experience Program in Hong Kong during Eco Expo Asia. Through a series of seminars, meetings and site visits, the program shared Hong Kong’s experiences in environmental protection and climate change adaptation with representatives from B&R countries. On the first day (October 28), the EPD cohosted a seminar on climate change strategies and actions with the Civil Engineering and Development Department. On the second day (October 29), delegates took a ride on the electric ferry “Hong Kong Water Taxi 28” for a tour of Victoria Harbour. While enjoying the cityscape, they learned about Hong Kong’s latest developments in green transportation and air quality management. On the third day (October 30), they paid a visit to the Tai Po Kau Tide Gauge Station to learn about Hong Kong’s infrastructure for addressing climate change and extreme weather. Moreover, they visited the EcoPark in Tuen Mun to learn about the circular economy, waste recycling, and reuse technologies, and toured the EPD’s waste-to-energy facility T·PARK.

In addition, on the second day of Eco Expo Asia (October 29), the EPD jointly organised the Experience Sharing Forum on Promoting Environmental Business in Oversees Market with the RCEES of the CAS. Representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Cambodia, and Kazakhstan introduced policies, regulations, and preferential measures to attract foreign environmental companies’ investment. Several Mainland companies also shared their successful experiences in going global. The exchange provided useful information for Hong Kong’s environmental industry to expand to overseas markets and encouraged the Mainland enterprises to leverage Hong Kong’s business advantages to seek international development opportunities for “go global” strategies.

Dr Chui concluded that the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will continue to fully utilise Hong Kong’s experience and advantages in environmental protection and infrastructure to assist B&R countries in achieving high-quality and sustainable green development. The EPD will co-ordinate with the RCEES of the CAS’s expertise in green technology development and industry connections on the Mainland to actively organise the Green Silk Road International Training Programs in order to promote international exchanges and co-operation on green B&R initiatives and assist high-quality Mainland green enterprises to expand to overseas markets.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (October 31) released the seventh batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in October, covering 23 survey areas, as follows:​
 

District	Survey Area	October 2025
		First Phase Gravidtrap Index	First Phase Density Index
Kowloon City	Hung Hom	12.5%	1.1
	Kai Tak North	19.5%	1.4
North
	Fanling	0.0%	N/A
Yuen Long	Tin Shui Wai	1.6%	1.0
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan Town	0.0%	N/A
	Ma Wan	4.2%	N/A

 

District	Survey Area	October 2025
		Area Gravidtrap Index	Area Density Index
Central and Western	Sai Wan	3.7%	1.3
Eastern	Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho	6.5%	1.1
Southern	Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau	0.0%	N/A
	Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay	0.9%	1.0
Wan Chai	Tin Hau	5.6%	1.0
Yau Tsim	Tsim Sha Tsui	0.0%	N/A
Kowloon City	Lok Fu West	7.6%	1.2
Kwun Tong	Kwun Tong Central	1.2%	1.0
Sha Tin	Tai Wai	0.8%	1.0
	Ma On Shan	6.4%	1.1
	Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan	2.9%	1.0
Yuen Long	Yuen Kong	0.0%	N/A
	Ki Lun Shan	0.0%	N/A
	Sung Shan	0.0%	N/A
Tuen Mun	Tuen Mun South	0.0%	N/A
Tsuen Wan	Tsuen Wan West	1.0%	1.0
Kwai Tsing	Tsing Yi South	2.6%	1.0

The FEHD is concerned about two survey areas in Kowloon City District where the gravidtrap indexes have exceeded 10%, indicating that the mosquito prevention and control measures in nearby premises need to be strengthened. The FEHD has stepped up inspections and followed up with the persons responsible for the management of relevant premises. Mosquito breeding was found in nearby residential estates and construction sites, along with damaged facilities that led to accumulation of water. As a result, the FEHD instituted a prosecution and issued seven statutory notices to the relevant property management company in accordance with Section 27 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance (Cap. 132), requiring the company’s responsible person to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Two prosecutions and five statutory notices were also issued to the contractors of the relevant construction sites. In addition, the FEHD has visited schools, elderly homes and childcare facilities in the surrounding area to provide mosquito prevention and elimination information. New mosquito traps were installed in the schools to enhance mosquito control efforts. These inspections will continue. According to records, the FEHD has initiated a total of 10 prosecutions against contractors in the survey areas and surrounding construction sites for mosquito breeding over the past six months.

The FEHD will hold interdepartmental meetings with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with higher mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD will also distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together on mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the area to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.

The FEHD has so far released seven batches of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in October 2025, covering 64 survey areas. Among these 64 survey areas, 44 recorded a decrease or remained unchanged in the individual gravidtrap index as compared to the Area Gravidtrap Index last month, i.e. September 2025, representing that the areas’ mosquito infestation improved or maintained a low level. Eighteen other areas recorded a slight increase, but the indexes were lower than 10 per cent.

In response to the recent chikungunya fever (CF) situation, the FEHD has implemented special mechanism to strengthen mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism.

Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:

• tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside their premises; 
• remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources; 
• check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water; 
• change the water in flower vases and saucers of potted plants at least once every seven days; 
• properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water; and 
• properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as empty lunch boxes and cans.

Starting in August this year, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD is disseminating the relevant information through press releases, its website, and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.

Following the recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 64 survey areas of the community. During the two weeks of surveillance, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures are available on the department’s webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced today (October 31) that with regard to the West New Territories (WENT) landfill where waste reception was temporarily suspended earlier today due to soil displacement of a slope therein, emergency repairs has completed to allow the landfill to reopen at normal hours tomorrow morning and receive waste. The EPD has notified the industry and will maintain close contact with them.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) reminds members of the public to remain vigilant against phishing SMS messages purporting to be from the HKMA.
 
These messages claim that the recipient has activated an insurance service and is required to contact customer service staff if he/she wishes to cancel the service.
 
The HKMA wishes to clarify that the HKMA will not contact individual members of the public regarding personal financial matters.
 
The HKMA has reported the case to the Hong Kong Police Force. Members of the public who suspect that they have become victims of any fraudulent acts should contact the Police or the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012 for follow-up actions and investigation by the Police.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (October 31) announced the implementation details of Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles (Southbound Travel Scheme).

     Under the Southbound Travel Scheme, eligible and approved private cars from Guangdong (Guangdong vehicles) may park (the vehicles do not enter Hong Kong) at the automated carparks on the artificial island at the Hong Kong Port (port carparks) via the Zhuhai Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB), after which the drivers and passengers may transfer to a flight via Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) or enter and visit Hong Kong by taking Hong Kong local transportation; or they may enter Hong Kong directly via the HZMB and drive to the urban area without obtaining a regular quota (entry into urban area).
 
     The Guangdong and Hong Kong governments agreed that the “Park & Fly” carpark of the port carparks will be open for application starting from 9am on November 1 this year, and will commence operations starting from 0.00am on November 15; whereas entry into the urban area will be open for application starting from 9am on December 9, and the approved Guangdong vehicles will enter Hong Kong via the HZMB starting from 0:00am on December 23.
 
     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the staunch support of the Central Government and the Guangdong Provincial Government in jointly taking forward and realising the Southbound Travel Scheme. This dual-track arrangement with Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles (Northbound Travel Scheme) will inject greater impetus for the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
 
     “The Southbound Travel Scheme and the Northbound Travel Scheme complement each other and are important measures to promote the integrated development of the GBA. Not only do they facilitate mutual engagement between residents of Guangdong and Hong Kong, but they also achieve a higher level of mutual flow of people and goods and even open up a new model for Mainland residents to visit Hong Kong, which in turn brings opportunities to such sectors as tourism, retail, and catering in Hong Kong. Under the strategies of ensuring safety, effective diversion, well-equipped supporting facilities and streamlined application, the HKSAR Government is taking forward the Southbound Travel Scheme in a steady manner, with a view to benefitting Hong Kong residents and society as a whole, as well as sharing the fruitful achievements of the integrated development of the GBA,” Mr Lee said.
 
     Travellers under the Southbound Travel Scheme are expected to be high-spending individuals and families. The HKSAR Government will provide participants with tourist parking guides, including information on tourism and carparks, with a view to facilitating their itinerary planning, guiding them to combine self-driving and public transportation, spend and stay for a few days in Hong Kong, and choose itineraries relating to culture, sports, exhibition, shopping and theme park according to their preferences, which will in turn considerably contribute to boosting Hong Kong’s economy.
 
     The Guangdong Provincial Government announced today the regulations for the port carparks and entry into the urban area under the Southbound Travel Scheme, including detailed eligibility requirements for applicants, vehicles and drivers, insurance regulations, port clearance and requirements for driving on the roads, procedures, and mechanisms for handling non-compliance. For details, please refer to the official websites of the Guangdong Provincial Government.
 
     To ensure orderly implementation, both parts of the Southbound Travel Scheme will initially be open to applications from four cities in Guangdong Province (namely Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and Jiangmen), to be gradually extended to other cities in Guangdong Province after six months.
 
Port carparks
 
     As part of the Southbound Travel Scheme, the automated “Park & Fly” carpark of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) will be officially commissioned, providing a new experience for cross-boundary self-drive travellers who transfer to a flight. The “Park & Fly” carpark will provide 1 800 parking spaces, allowing 24-hour automated parking and drop-off/pick-up services.
 
     The AAHK has launched a one-stop booking platform, allowing eligible applicants from Guangdong to book a parking space for each trip on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are required to submit information on their designated driver and all accompanying flight transfer passengers, including identification documents and travel documents, vehicle details, scheduled travelling dates, and valid air tickets. They are also required to prepay the relevant parking fees and take out third-party risk insurance policies in advance. The submitted application details will be forwarded to the relevant Mainland authorities for approval and record. Upon completion of processing, the system will confirm the booking with applicants. Each applicant and his/her vehicle may make a booking for one of the following services per day, namely “park and fly”, drop-off or pick-up. To provide convenience to travellers, the HKSAR Government has exempted southbound vehicles using the port carparks from the licensing and vehicle inspection requirements in accordance with the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374).
 
     Starting from November 15, vehicles with a successful booking can travel to and from the “Park & Fly” carpark via the HZMB, according to the booking confirmation notification. “Park and fly” travellers may park their vehicles using the automated parking system. Having their documents and air tickets verified, they will take a bonded bus to the SkyPier Terminal to check in with their baggage, and then proceed directly to the Terminal for boarding without going through Hong Kong immigration clearance in the process. Upon their return to Hong Kong, travellers will only need to confirm their booking at Transfer Desk E2 in the restricted area of ​​Terminal 1 before proceeding to the SkyPier Terminal to take the bonded bus bound for the “Park & Fly” carpark to retrieve their vehicles. As for drop-off or pick-up, designated drivers may, in accordance with the respective booking, drive to the “Park & Fly” carpark to transfer to a flight, or from the “Park & Fly” carpark back to the Mainland, without having to use the automated parking system. All vehicles must enter and exit the carpark according to the designated routes. Signage has been added to the Hong Kong section of the HZMB to guide drivers to and from the “Park & Fly” carpark.
 
     For details regarding the eligibility, methods and procedures, as well as travel guidance for using the “Park & Fly” carpark, please visit the website of the AAHK’s automated carpark online booking platform (autoparking.hkairport.com/).
 
Entry into urban area
 
     To better control the overall number of vehicles entering Hong Kong and provide a better travel experience, the Guangdong and Hong Kong governments have agreed to set a daily cap on the number of vehicles entering Hong Kong, starting with 100 vehicles per day for a stay of up to three days per Guangdong vehicle. 
 
     Interested applicants must first register for a computer-based balloting through Guangdong’s information platform of the Southbound Travel Scheme before formally submitting their applications starting from December 9. Applicants should allow time for completing various relevant procedures in accordance with the requirements of the Mainland and Hong Kong departments, including for designated drivers to hold a valid Hong Kong driving licence, their Guangdong vehicles to be inspected according to Hong Kong regulations to ensure compliance with Hong Kong requirements, and to have obtained valid third-party risk insurance, in order to complete the vehicle licensing application procedures. The validity period of the relevant licences for the Southbound Travel Scheme is up to one year.
 
     Applicants who have completed the above procedures may make bookings through the online travel booking system and, starting from December 23, travel to Hong Kong via the HZMB according to the successfully booked designated dates. If the number of booking registrations exceeds the booking quota, it will be allocated by computer-based balloting.
 
     For details regarding the application and booking for entry into the urban area, please visit the website of Guangdong’s information platform, the Transport Department’s dedicated webpage for the Southbound Travel Scheme (www.td.gov.hk/en/public_services/licences_and_permits/southboundtravel/stfgveiua/index.html), and the dedicated webpage jointly developed by the Insurance Authority and the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (sbt.hkfi.org.hk/).

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The value of total retail sales in September, provisionally estimated at $31.3 billion, was up 5.9 % compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 4.8% higher year-on-year.

Online sales accounted for 12.5% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $3.9 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 27.3 % compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the value of sales of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified increased by 31.3 %.

There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: supermarkets (+2%); “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (+6.9%); jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (+9.1%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+3.9%); medicines and cosmetics (+7.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.8%); and optical shops (+1.5%).

By contrast, the value of sales of wearing apparel decreased by 5.4% for the period. Also down were sales of motor vehicles and parts (-4.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-5.3%); fuels (-13.4%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-10.2%); furniture and fixtures (-17.3%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (-2.4%).

The Government said the retail sector continued to recover in September. Looking ahead, improving local consumer sentiment and sustained growth in inbound tourism should continue to render support to retail businesses.